A/N: Thanks for the reviews. I appreciate you taking the time to add your input/comments/complaints, etc.

Taking their weekly trip to the market, they sold their fish and extra scallops that Chiara had gathered.

"I'm going to speak to the doctor to catch up on the latest news," said Iroh. "When you guys are finished meet me there."

He left them.

"Welcome, Mushi," said the doctor when he answered the door. "Lee and Lin aren't with you this week?"

"They're still at the market."

Iroh stepped inside.

"The Fire Nation has just taken Lopao," said the doctor gravely as they sat down at the table.

"Then it won't be long before they move here," said Iroh worriedly.

"More and more scouts have been appearing on the roads."

Iroh nodded thoughtfully. "We'll have to move on soon." He sighed. "It's a shame. I have never seen Lee so happy. He has no interest in anything outside our life at the cabin."

"The war's getting closer. He'll have no choice but to take an interest."

Iroh looked at the doctor. "Any news on the Avatar?"

"None. If he's still alive, then he's been lying low."

"Hopefully he's receiving the training he needs. He will need to defeat not only Ozai, but Azula. If she succeeds her father on the throne, she'll keep this war going."

"And Lee doesn't want it?"

"I cannot expect him to give up Lin," said Iroh resignedly.

"He shouldn't have to give her up."

"But many will not accept her...or their children as the rightful heirs."

"It'll be difficult for some, but it may be just what this world needs. I think it'll be a good thing."

"It's unheard of in the royal family," said Iroh.

"This war has taken its toll on many even in the Fire Nation. This change will be welcome to many."

"In my experience in the Capital, there were deep prejudices against the other Nations," said Iroh.

"In the nobility, maybe, but what about the commoners and the families in the outer colonies? There must be many others who would not oppose such a union."

"I hope you're right," said Iroh.

The doctor's wife placed tea before each of them.

"Thank you, Lara," said Iroh.

"You're welcome, Mushi."

Later, Zuko and Chiara arrived.

"Are you coming to the festival next week?" the doctor asked them as they were sipping their tea.

"Why are you looking at me?" asked Iroh as Zuko and Chiara's eyes turned to him.

"We just figured that was something you'd decide," said Zuko.

Iroh chuckled. "I think it would be nice for you two to take a break and enjoy some entertainment."

"There'll be music and lots of food," said the doctor.

"Two of my favorite things," said Iroh.

The trip back to the cabin was uneventful, and since they ate at the market, they had fewer chores around the camp when they returned. After swimming in the river, they sat on the porch listening to the chorus of frogs and insects in the forest.

"The doctor told me that Lopao has been taken by the Fire Nation," said Iroh softly, not wanting to break the news to them, but knowing it needed to be said.

"That's just south of here," said Chiara.

Iroh nodded.

Zuko sighed. "We're going to have to leave here, aren't we?" he asked, despite knowing the answer.

"I'm afraid so," said Iroh.

"When?" asked Chiara.

"We should start preparing after the festival. We'll keep heading north."

"Have you heard anything about Aang?" she asked.

Iroh slowly shook his head. "Nothing. But that's not a bad thing. If we've heard no news on his recovery, then Ozai hasn't heard any either."

"If we do hear anything, should we help him?" she asked a bit timidly not wanting to upset Zuko.

"It depends on what news we hear," said Iroh.

Later, after Iroh went inside, Zuko and Chiara remained on the porch.

"What do you think I should do?" Zuko quietly asked her.

"That's a question you need to ask yourself," she replied softly.

"Every time I think I know the answer, it's wrong."

"What do you want to do?"

"Stay here," he answered.

"Unfortunately that's not an option."

He stared thoughtfully into the dark forest.

"I'm tired of running."

"That only leaves one other option," she said.

"Helping the Avatar." He sighed.

She placed her hand on his back and leaned against his arm. "When I was with Aang, I told him that your destinies were connected."

He looked at her. "What? What do you mean?"

"Of all your ancestors that searched for the Avatar, you were the one to find him. I don't believe that's coincidence. And knowing that your great-grandfather is Avatar Roku, I'm even more convinced your destiny is being Aang's ally."

He quietly contemplated her words.

She looked up at him. "But you have to make that decision. No one can make it for you. Just know this: whichever path you decide to take, I'm on your side—not the Fire Nation's, not the Avatar's. I am your humble and loyal servant."

He put his arms around her and held her close. "I still think you're my destiny."

When the day of the festival arrived, all three headed to the town. There were crowds of people enjoying the different entertainment and variety of food. After leaving their ostrich horses in the corral, Zuko held Chiara's hand on his arm, and they followed Iroh as he made his way towards the food booths.

"It smells wonderful," he said. "What shall we eat first?"

"Anything that's been alive at one time," said Zuko as Chiara giggled.

"We haven't had chicken in a while," said Iroh. "Or roast duck."

They found a booth that offered skewered chicken, and as soon as they received their skewers and turned to walk away, Iroh's eyes grew wide.

"A tea booth!" he said excitedly before quickly making his way towards it.

Zuko and Chiara followed.

"Three ginsengs, please," he said.

They took their chicken skewers and tea and found a quiet place in the grass where they could listen to the music.

"Somebody just discovered how to burn water," said Iroh after taking a sip of his tea.

Chiara was giggling, and then she tried hers. "You're right. I didn't think that was possible."

"I'm sure the owner of the Jasmine Dragon could teach him how to make tea properly," said Zuko.

Iroh started laughing.

After eating, they walked around the festival watching a variety of shows, including earthbending performances. Walking by a group of people dancing, Zuko looked down at Chiara and smiled.

"Do you want to dance?"

Returning the smile, she nodded, and he led her among the other couples who were dancing. He regally bowed to her and she returned it with a graceful curtsy. Stepping towards her he placed his arm around her lower back and he held her close guiding her to the music as she kept her body in sync with his. Had anyone but Iroh been paying attention, their aristocratic upbringing would be betrayed in their refined movements. Even disguised in the clothes of Earth Kingdom peasants, Zuko looked every bit the Crown Prince he was and Chiara the noble she had been raised to be.

"They really look like their enjoying themselves," said the doctor who had just walked up to Iroh.

Iroh smiled. "They haven't danced since their wedding...unless you count practicing with their swords."

The doctor laughed. "Some would call that dancing."

"I'm sure they would."

Zuko's golden eye was submersed in Chiara's sea green ones never wanting to surface from them, and yet he was keenly aware of the feel of her hand on his arm and the other in his own. Her heart pounded at the sight of his golden orb, like a tiny sun, peering out through his long dark hair that hung down almost carelessly around his face and swayed about with their every step and turn. When he smiled at her she saw the bright-eyed young boy she had grown up with. She had been relieved to see that smile return shortly after their return to the Earth Kingdom, and she hoped he would never lose it again.

At the end of the song, everyone stopped dancing, and Zuko stood still, holding her in his arms for a few extra seconds not ready to emerge from her eyes.

"Very good," said Iroh who seemed to materialize next to them from out of nowhere.

Zuko reluctantly broke his gaze from hers and looked at his uncle.

"May I have my daughter's next dance?" he asked.

Chiara smiled as she took Iroh's hand and they danced to the more lively tune that played next. Zuko stood off to the side watching them. Iroh proved himself quite nimble, and he danced with a little more spirit to match the more festive song, but it did not hide his own royal blood in his polished steps. Zuko fixed his eyes on Chiara, watching as her skirt flowed gracefully around her every time Iroh spun her around, and her long braid would sway with her every elegant move. Her mother's diadem shone brightly against her dark skin and hair making her look like a princess. Forcing his eyes away from her, he disappeared into the crowd.

At the end of the song, Iroh and Chiara walked off to the side where Zuko had been.

"I wonder where Lee went," said Iroh.

"I don't know. I thought he was over here somewhere."

"Lin, you danced quite beautifully out there," said the doctor.

"Thank you," she smiled. "But I'm only as good as my partners."

He laughed. "And your partners were no less impressive."

"Have you seen Lee?" Iroh asked him.

"I haven't since he was dancing earlier."

Iroh was puzzled.

"Dessert?" said Zuko as he came up to them holding pastries.

Iroh's smile grew wide when he saw the exquisite desserts, and he and Chiara each took one.

"Doctor?" Zuko offered.

"Oh, no thank you," he said. "I've already partaken of such forbidden sweets."

"We need to find more of these," said Iroh.

"Be careful," warned Chiara. "It was food like this that got you in trouble the first time we were here."

Iroh chuckled. "Yes, and it hasn't left me since," he said patting his belly.

The rest of the afternoon was spent watching the performances, eating, and with more dancing.

Towards the late afternoon they left the festival and started back towards the cabin. Zuko was sitting behind Chiara with his arms around her as he held the reins, and both were reliving their dances in their minds.

"It's the Dragon of the West!"

They looked around and found themselves ambushed by Fire Nation soldiers, so Chiara took the reins from Zuko.

"Hang on," she said.

He quickly ripped off his eye patch and wrapped his arms tightly around her waist.

"Into the field," said Iroh.

They rode into a field where they were pursued. As a soldier rode up next to them, Zuko pulled out a sword and fought him while Chiara guided their ostrich horse dodging fire missiles. Zuko quickly sliced through the saddle strap causing the rhino's rider to tumble off. Iroh was sending fire missiles behind him taking out some soldiers who were unable to avoid them. They continued riding through the field, but another soldier caught up to Zuko and Chiara, so Zuko jumped onto his komodo rhino and threw him off. When Chiara looked behind to check on Iroh, she saw him knocked off his ostrich horse, and turning back she went to help him. Zuko turned back too.

"You keep going," she said to Zuko who was now riding next to her. "I'll help him."

"I'm not leaving you guys here."

"Head through the woods. The river's on the others side."

She jumped off her ostrich horse next to Iroh.

"Go, Zuko," said Iroh.

It was too late, though, as more soldiers caught up, and sending fire at Zuko, it spooked all the animals who started scattering in all directions forcing Zuko to quickly jump off. All three fought the soldiers, Iroh with fire, Zuko with fire and swords, and Chiara with her sword, but as soon as they defeated them, more men were running towards them. As soon as they could, Zuko grabbed her hand and they ran into the forest.

"Come on, Uncle," he called.

Once they were deeper in the woods Chiara pulled Zuko in another direction.

"The river's this way," she said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

They continued running, and suddenly Zuko stopped and pulled her close to him wrapping his arms around her to protect her as fire fell in front of them. They ran around it and kept running until they made it to the river, but the soldiers were not far behind.

"We need to get across," said Iroh.

Chiara was already moving to make an ice raft on the water, and then she turned and began sending ice spikes towards the soldiers, some which she trapped against trees or the ground. While Zuko and Iroh were busy shooting fire blasts towards their enemies, Chiara started making an ice wall to their left and right along the riverbank. Both Iroh and Zuko were extremely impressed by her quick defensive and offensive work; she had grown more powerful than they had imagined.

"Which direction are we going on the other side?" she asked as she worked.

"We go north," said Iroh.

"Go across," she said.

Zuko grabbed her hand to pull her along with him as she was setting up ice spikes as a blockade. They stepped on the raft, and Chiara turned to Zuko and kissed him. He was stunned by her kiss in the middle of a battle.

"I love you," she said before quickly jumping back on shore and forcing the raft away.

"No!" said Zuko reaching for her as he realized what she was doing.

"Trust me," she said.

He tried to go after her, but he was frozen to the raft.

"Uncle, help her!"

"I can't," he said as he was also frozen to the raft.

By the time they freed themselves, they were halfway across the river, and the fog cover she produced to protect them blocked their view so they could not see what was happening. The fire attacks from the soldiers were lighting up the fog and it was hard to make out where the blast had hit, but it sounded like the fight was moving south on the shore. As they landed on the other side, Iroh pulled Zuko into the woods.

"No. I won't let her do this," he said struggling to get back to the shore.

"Zuko, trust her. She's a powerful waterbender."

"I can't let her sacrifice herself for me again. We need to find her."

"She's leading them away from us."

"I can't leave her," he insisted.

"We won't leave her, just give her time..."

"What if she's captured?" argued Zuko.

"Then we'll find where they're holding her and rescue her."

"But they'll kill her," argued Zuko.

"Not before interrogating her."

"Even more reason for us to go after her now."

"I thought you were going north?" asked Chiara who came up behind them.

Both men turned around, shocked to see her.

"We were going after you," said Zuko.

"No," she said. "I told you to trust me. I tried to make them think we went south, and then I doubled back under the water."

"Then why did you tell me you love me before forcing us across the river?"

"Because I do...and just in case..."

He grabbed her and hugged her. "We don't separate again," he said. He released her, except for her hand. "And that was incredible," he said in awe at what she had done.

Iroh laughed as he, too, was impressed by her work.

They started going northwest, eventually arriving at a village that they realized too late had been taken over by the Fire Nation. When the soldiers saw them, they immediately went after them. Running in a different direction, they came to another river.

"There is never a bridge when you need one," said Iroh, yet as he was speaking, Chiara had raised part of one up out of ice. "I-I spoke too soon."

"Go," she said as she was pulling water from the river to build more defenses along shore.

Zuko grabbed her hand and pulled her along, and they began running across the bridge. As they approached the edge of the unfinished bridge, Iroh and Zuko started slowing down, but Chiara kept pulling Zuko with her as she completed the bridge as they went. While they were running across, some of the soldiers had gone around her riverbank defenses and were following them across the ice bridge, but before Chiara even stepped off the bridge onto the other shore, she started melting the ice behind her causing some of the men to drop into the water.

Running through the woods, Zuko stopped again and pulled Chiara to himself wrapping his arms around her as a fiery arrow landed in front of them. He turned to run in a different direction, but another arrow landed before them. Several archers soon appeared, and Zuko stood protectively in front of Chiara, but it was clear that they were surrounded, and more soldiers had arrived as well. Zuko took a defensive stance, fire around his hands.

"Dead or alive," said General Ikong as he walked up to them. "It makes no difference to me. You may take out a few, but you can't get all the archers."

Zuko was angry, but he let the fire burn out, and he took Chiara's hand keeping in front of her.

"It looks like we finally caught a great prize for the Fire Lord," said Ikong. "The once great General-turned-traitor and the traitor Prince." He stood in front of Zuko. "Your father will be very pleased to see you."

"Let them go," demanded Zuko.

"You're in no position to make demands, traitor. Restrain them."

As the archers kept their arrows aimed, several soldiers grabbed hold of each of them. They pulled Chiara away from Zuko, her hand slipping from his.

"Get your hands off her," growled Zuko as he struggled against the soldiers.

They put Iroh and Zuko in firebender restraints.

Ikong stood before Iroh. "Traitor General, you will be returned to the Fire Nation where you will await your execution."

"It's a shame to see such a wonderful vacation come to an end," he said, sounding disappointed.

Ikong hit him.

"No," said Chiara as she and Zuko both tried to pull away from their captors.

"Pathetic," said Ikong as he looked down on Iroh.

"What's pathetic is that you needed a whole army to capture him," said Chiara, angry that he had hit Iroh.

Zuko had rarely ever heard Chiara snap at anyone, but he knew that no one insults her General without being rebuked.

"And only a coward hits a restrained man," she added.

"Chiara...," said Iroh, who, though impressed and grateful for her defense, was worried about her. "...self-control."

Zuko and Chiara were reminded of their conversation at the Western Air Temple.

Ikong walked over to her and looked at her, and then he looked back at Iroh. "So this is the Water Tribe spy the son of Fire Lord Azulon brought into the Fire Nation. This is what cost you your honor and your life," he said to Iroh.

Ikong slapped her.

"Don't touch her!" yelled Zuko and Iroh at the same time as they struggled so hard more men were required to hold them back even with their restraints.

Ikong was amused by their anger. "The Water scum is not worth our time," he said in a simple tone. "She can be disposed of now."

"No!" yelled Zuko and Iroh as the soldiers placed Chiara in front of a tree.

Ikong was laughing at them. "And you made such an effort to protect her."

They chained her wrists.

"Ikong, do not do this!" demanded Iroh. "She is just a child."

Ikong looked at him. "Child? Anyone who fights against the Fire Nation is not a child. This spy is not a child. Ready weapons," he commanded the archers.

Zuko and Iroh were struggling so much the soldiers were forced to use more restraints on them.

"Stop!" yelled Zuko.

"I love you both," said Chiara.

"Take aim," Ikong ordered the archers who followed his command targeting Chiara's heart.

"Don't do this!" yelled Zuko, fire emanating from his restrained hands.

"F..."

"She is royal property, Ikong!" said Iroh interrupting his order for her execution. "You have no right to execute her!"

General Ikong was puzzled by his words.

He walked over to Iroh. "You taking in a Water Tribe spy does not make her royal property."

"You may not accept her royal status as my adopted daughter, but you can't deny it to her as Prince Zuko's wife," said Iroh.

Everybody was stunned, especially Zuko and Chiara.

"If you execute her, you are executing royal property," said Iroh.

Ikong looked at him angrily, but then he walked over to Chiara and grabbing her hand, he looked at it.

"Check the traitor Prince!" he angrily demanded after seeing the ring.

They found a ring on Zuko too and the soldier nodded towards the general.

"Now I understand your effort," said Ikong sharply as he looked at Zuko. "It seems this pretty face was too much for you. So not only are you a traitor to the Fire Nation, but you are a traitor to the royal family and to the throne by taking this pathetic Water filth as your wife." Zuko tried to jump at him. "This is quite a dilemma," Ikong continued calmly.

"You cannot touch her," said Iroh.

"Maybe I can't execute the Water savage, but I am quite sure the Fire Lord will take great pleasure in eradicating it."

"Let her go," demanded Zuko. "She's innocent."

"Innocent? She resisted arrest, broke out of prison, and assisted two traitors. That makes her guilty of crimes against the Fire Nation."

"She is innocent," said Zuko desperately. "I broke her out of prison, and I-I forced her to help us."

Ikong laughed at the obvious lie. "I think I'll recommend public execution for her."

"No!" yelled Zuko.

Despite his protests, they were all transported back to the Fire Nation where they were imprisoned.

General Ikong entered the throne room and stood before the Fire Lord.

"Fire Lord Ozai," said General Ikong, "I have returned with the traitor Iroh. He is being detained in Capital City Prison."

"And what of Zuko?" asked Ozai.

"He was also taken prisoner and is currently being held in the prison."

"I want him to be brought to the palace," said Ozai.

"He already freed the traitor Iroh once, my Lord. Is it wise to bring him here?"

"He won't free the traitor again."

General Ikong hesitated. "I-I have other information about your son."

"What is it?"

"He took a wife..."

The flames around Ozai grew higher.

"What?!" said Azula. "That Water Tribe whore!"

Ozai raised his hand to silence Azula.

"Is it true?" asked Ozai. "Was it the Water Tribe girl my traitor brother brought into the Fire Nation?"

"Yes, Fire Lord."

"Where is she?"

"She has also been captured and is being detained in the prison. I recommend public execution to send a warning to all traitors and spies."

"I will consider your recommendation," said Ozai. "You are dismissed, General."

"I'll bet that Water Tribe whore is behind this," said Azula as soon as Ikong was gone. "She'd do anything to be part of the royal family. She's been brainwashing Zuko since we were kids and she finally convinced him to marry her."

"She will need to be disposed of."

"Allow me to handle her, Father. I've been wanting to do this for a long time."

Ozai nodded.

Iroh and Chiara had been detained in a prison cell together, but Zuko, who had been in his own cell, was moved to the palace. The next day, a guard entered Iroh and Chiara's cell where he grabbed her and pulled her to her feet. Iroh fought against his restraints but could not break free.

"Leave her alone!" he demanded.

"The prince's wife has a date with the executioner," he said.

"I love you," she said to Iroh. "Tell Prince Zuko I love him and to remember his true destiny."

"Wait!" yelled Iroh. "Appeal! I want to appeal her trial..."

"There was no trial, so there will be no appeal," said Warden Poon standing outside the cell.

"How can she be executed without a trial?" asked Iroh.

"The ring on her finger makes her guilty without the need for a trial. She is to be executed immediately by order of Fire Lord Ozai."

"No!"

The warden ignored him.

"I want to speak to my brother!" demanded Iroh.

"I doubt the Fire Lord will want to speak to you," said Poon.

"Take me to him now!" Iroh demanded.

"That'll take some time to arrange, and by then the spy's sentence will have been carried out."

"Chiara!" yelled Iroh desperately.

Iroh continued fighting to no avail as they led her to a chamber down the hall. The shackles around her wrists were joined to a chain that was connected to the floor. The chain was so short, she could not stand up straight, so she was on her knees.

A few minutes later, Azula walked by Iroh and stopped.

"Why, Uncle, look at you."

"Why are you here?"

"I just found out my brother was married, and I've come to visit my dear sister-in-law."

He looked up at her feeling worried.

"That little Water tramp finally managed to dig her claws into poor, gullible Zuzu. He always was so naive when it came to his precious Chiara."

"Let her go," demanded Iroh.

"Oh, that's quite impossible. She stole and desecrated royal property, so now she's going to find out what happens when you play with fire."

Her fingers were alight with flames, and Iroh again fought against his restraints to no avail.

Azula went down the hall and walked into the chamber where Chiara was being held. She reached down and grabbed her left hand, looking at the wedding ring.

"So it's true. You, a little Water Tribe peasant, stole my idiot brother's heart."

Chiara remained silent as Azula released her hand.

"You were just determined to get into the royal household one way or another, weren't you?"

Chiara said nothing.

"Well then, first, I bring you a message from Fire Lord Ozai. My father, the Fire Lord, has just learned that you seduced Zuko into marrying you. His son, the Prince of the Fire Nation, married to common Water filth. Well, you can imagine that doesn't look good for my father." Azula produced a blue fire whip. "This is his message for you."

She began scourging her. The pain caused Chiara to pull the chain taut as she tensed up, but that she did not scream or yell surprised Azula who expected her to beg for mercy. Down the hall Iroh could hear the torture, and he felt sick at the sound of the fire whip.

Azula stopped. "Not impressed with that message?" she asked. "Well, I also bring you a message from Zuko," she said. "Since Zuzu's been home, he's broken free of whatever witchy spell you put on him to seduce him. He hates you now. He realizes the mistake he made marrying you so he sent me here to undo it."

She walked behind Chiara and leaned close to her.

"But before I break up your illicit marriage, by which I mean kill you, I'm going to punish you again for ever thinking that you're worthy of being part of the royal family. You never were and you never will be."

Azula began beating her again. Despite the pain, she refused to cry out, and Azula was frustrated and angry that she did not react as she expected, so she stood in front of her.

"I am so done with you," she hissed.

Chiara closed her eyes as Azula moved her arms in an arc generating lightning and took aim to shoot her.

The flash could be seen from Iroh's cell, and his heart felt crushed at the sound of the strike. A few moments later, Azula stood before him.

"You and Zuko have something else in common, Uncle. My dear brother is now a widower."

Iroh felt sick.

She held Chiara's diadem up to her forehead. "How do I look?"

In anger, Iroh tried to jump at her but his restraints held him back.

"Yes, I thought so too," she said. "Just a worthless Water scum trinket."

She turned and left. Iroh said nothing as he sank back to his knees, his heart broken that his daughter was dead.